Hillary's Axe

Sir Edmund Hillary

Auckland Museum exhibits for the first time the iconic ice axe that helped him reach the top of earth’s highest mountain.

Hillary’s Axe is a unique installation, focusing on an object that will surely become a future symbol of perseverance and success for New Zealanders around the world. The axe was donated to the Museum by Lady Hillary in early 2008 .

Alongside the axe, the exhibit includes a display of images and film footage from Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s extraordinary climb.  The special showcase will run until February 2010, after which the axe will be put on permanent display in the Museum.

Hillary’s Axe
On now until 7 February 2010
Tamaki Gallery
Entry is included in admission donation.

Hillary Photo Gallery

Edmund Hillary, High Adventure

Sir Edmund Hillary once said his mountaineering career began with the Alpine Journal route guide in one hand and an ice axe in the other. This ice axe accompanied a great man on an extraordinary journey, one that brought him fame as well as the deep and enduring affection of his country.

During his historic ascent of Mt Everest, Sir Edmund Hillary determinedly swung this ice axe, cutting a stairway that took him to the pinnacle of the world.

Made by Claudius Simond from Chamonix in France and purchased before the 1951 British Himalayan expedition, Hillary’s ice axe has a European Ash wood handle and a forged steel head and spike.